Bio
I am a 6th and 7th grade math teacher in Ellicott City, Maryland. This is my fourth year teaching, and by the end of this school year, I will have earned my masters degree in Secondary Math. I earned my bachelors degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Special Education, from the University of Maryland in 2011.
Outside of being a teacher and student, I love being a wife, sister, daughter, and aunt. My husband and I have been together for almost ten years now, but we just got married this past summer. We enjoy spending time with our parents, my three brothers, my sister, his sister, our niece and nephews, and all of our siblings' significant others. We are enjoying this exciting stage of our life in which our extended family is growing through new marriages and babies.
Learning Task #1 (reviewed, download for comments)
"Web 2.0" is a term coined in the 1990's to differentiate between the new, more collaborative design of websites and web tools as opposed to the more static websites of the past. More traditional websites were designed for users to access information, but Web 2.0 tools and websites are designed to give users more control. Users of Web 2.0 tools can design, create, present, and/or explore information in an online community.
One example of a Web 2.0 tool is Today's Meet, which allows for discussion and collaboration amongst users. Check out my room on Today's Meet at https://todaysmeet.com/TZMeet.
10: Function Machine (6.EE.B)
This Function Machine from Math Playground allows students to select inputs, or choose to have the computer select inputs, and then provides the students with outputs. After two outputs are given, students are asked to write an equation to represent the function. This virtual manipulative could be used to practice identifying patterns and writing equations, but it does not really provide a visual for the students to illustrate how the function is being evaluated.
9: Decimal Sums on the Number Line (5.NBT.7)
Using the idea of a number line, this virtual manipulative walks students through using partial sums and differences to add and subtract decimal values.
8: Integer Operation Teacher Tool (7.NS.A.2)
Virtual counters are used to illustrate multiplication and division of integers. This virtual manipulative also helps reinforce for students the fact that in problems with multiple operations, division and multiplication should be done in order from left to right.
7: Base Ten Blocks (5.NBT)
This virtual manipulative provides several different activities centered around place value, allowing students to illustrate, compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers. With each operation, the students are able to regroup the blocks as necessary.
6: Base Ten Blocks - Decimals (5.NBT.7)
Similar to the use of the whole number base ten block virtual manipulatives, students can add and subtract numbers with regrouping, but now with decimal values. I like that this virtual manipulative helps students adjust their thinking to utilize different-sized wholes based on the number of decimal place values they are using.
5: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Regrouping (5.NF.1)
Students can enter mixed numbers less than or equal to 3 in order to create a subtraction problem. The virtual manipulative illustrates the problem and allows students to rename fractions with a common denominator and borrow from the whole number if necessary.
4: Thinking Blocks - Fractions (5.NF)
This set of virtual manipulatives is set up to allows for students to use fraction strips with labels to illustrate and solve word problems. As students master one skill with fractions, like finding a fraction of a number, they progress to more challenging skills, like fraction computation.
3: Thinking Blocks - Ratios (6.RP.A.3)
Students create tape diagrams with labels to solve ratio problems set in real-life contexts. Students are able to track their progress and move on to more complex problems.
2: Color Chips - Subtraction (7.NS.A.1c)
Students are asked to set up a subtraction problem by illustrating the minuend using chips. Then, they must add zero pairs so that they can take away the subtrahend. Students struggle with using actual chips to illustrate this process. Practicing with the guidance of the virtual manipulatives may make it easier.
Tied for 1: Model Algebra and Algebra Balance (7.EE.B)
Both of these virtual manipulatives use the visual of a balance to help students solve equations. The Model Algebra manipulative provides a better visual of what is happening at each stage, but the Alegra Balance allows for more complex equations and pairs each step with the calculations the students would do by hand on paper.
The 100 Meter Freestyle In this video, the visual of the pool is used to show how far behind past swimmers would be if they had raced against Nathan Adrian in the 2012 Olympics. I would have students use ratio tables, graphs, or proportions to confirm the distances given in the video. Then, they could apply their method to compare a few of the other swimmers to Adrian.
The 100 Meter Dash This video illustrates how sprinters' average speeds have increased over time. This video could be used to engage the students before asking them to find the rate at which sprinters' speeds are increasing. To do this, they could graph the data as was shown in the video, but draw a line of best fit. They could use this line to calculate the rate at which average speed is increasing amongst sprinters. Then, they could make predictions for how fast the race would be completed in future Olympics. It would also be interesting to have a conversation with the students about examining the rate of change over shorter time periods to see if there was greater increases aligning with events in history, such as changes in the diet or shoes of the runners and whether or not the students think humans will ever reach a maximum speed for the 100 meter dash.
The Long Jump This video could be used to launch a lesson on using scatterplots to examine a correlation between two variables. I would provide the students with data on some or all of the Olympians and their jumps, such as their age, height, weight, running speed, and wind velocity at the time of the jump. Then, the students could create scatterplots to examine the relationship of each variable to the distance of the winning jump's distance. Preferably, I would have this data set up in TInkerplots, or something similar, but the students could also create the scatterplots by hand or using a graphing calculator. The students could then determine which variable seems to have the strongest impact on the distance of the jump. To get the most investment from the students, I think I would pause the video about 1 minute 39 seconds into it. Then, I would have them make predictions about other factors that may impact a competitor's success in the event.
NY Times: The Soda Ban Explained This video illustrates how much soda is in various beverages. I think it would be a good way to engage students before having them compare the unit rates of sugar in different drinks, like soda, juice, coffee, etc. I would, however, have to consider if there were any kids in the class who may be particularly sensitive to the issues discussed in the video (increased obesity levels in the US inspiring the ban). If so, there are other images (and perhaps videos) out there that use sugar cubes to illustrate the amount of sugar in different beverages that may focus more on the positive health benefits versus our obesity issues.
ABC News: Math Genius Many of my students are fascinated by the idea of pi, often wondering how many digits of it I know, or one of their classmates knows. I think they would be amazed by the first 1 minute 20 seconds of this video, in which a young man recites more than the first 22,000 digits of pi. I could use this to launch a lesson into exploring the relationship between parts of a circle and discovering what pi really is.
Math Clips: When not knowing Math can cost you $15,000 This video clip of the show Who Wants to be a Millionaire poses the question: "Which of these square numbers is the sum of two other square numbers." I think it would be fun for the students to pause the video before the question is answered and have them explore it. We could then play the rest of the video to see who could have answered it correctly. Those who figure it out quickly could see if they could find any other square numbers that are also the sums of two squares.
Learnzillion Lessons
Add & Subtract Mixed Numbers in Real World Contexts This lesson is good, but I do not agree that it is aligned with 7.NS.A3, which should have more of a focus on positive and negative rational numbers and address the order of operations. This lesson would be a good review for my 7th graders on adding and subtracting mixed numbers.
Simplifying Expressions - Distributing a Negative I did not like this lesson. It shows common mistakes without really demonstrating to students why they are wrong and it asks students to memorize that all signs in an expression change when distributing a negative without addressing why.
Add & Subtract Negative Numbers: Word Problems The video provided with these practice problems does a pretty good job of explaining the concept and tying it to the standard algorithm. The problems are set in real life contexts and seem more meaningful than some other questions I have seen used before.
Order of Operations Here you can find multiple videos demonstrating how to apply the order of operations in various examples. Then, there are practice problems involving negative numbers, appropriate for 7th graders.
Learnzillion vs Kahn Academy
First, I must say the videos on both sites are extremely dry. I think they can helpful for home use, but generally, in the classroom, I would argue that students would be more engaged going through the same ideas and examples as a discussion with their teacher and peers.
Learnzillion does a good job of reviewing the basics before going into a new skill and addresses common mistakes. However, I feel that their explanations are lacking at the conceptual level. I also question the complexity of the skills and whether or not they are appropriately aligned with the Common Core Curriculum, at least for the 7th grade videos I spent time looking through.
Kahn Academy doesn't review as much, but students could also go back to prerequisite skills on the website by looking at earlier grades. Their videos do a better job of explaining concepts. I also like that the site includes practice problems and that the students can use the scratchpad to do calculations. The problems provided seem to be appropriately challenging. However, I wish the hints provided more guidance without just doing the work for the students. Overall, I much prefer Kahn Academy.
Basic Fact Practice: Middle School Math 7th Grade by Monkey In The Middle Apps LLC
Middle School Math 7th Grade is an app that provides a set of quizzes and games focusing on some of the major fluency skills of 7th grade, beginning with absolute value and integer computation. Each skill set has a brief explanation of the concept and provides a link to a video giving more of an explanation. I like that the app provides basic practice in a fun way, while providing immediate feedback on progress. It would be a great tool for kids to practice with at home or as a warm-up or exit activity in seminar.
Number Sense Development: Mental Math Challenge Add and Subtract by Balabharathi.com LLC
This Mental Math Challenge app provides students with strategies for adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers, and then lets them practice using these strategies in leveled and timed quizzes. I like this app because it helps students getting a better sense of what is involved when adding or subtracting and allows them to become much more efficient and independent with these foundational skills. By giving students time to continue developing these skills, they are better able to focus on the more complex concepts that rely on them.
Math Puzzle: Mathdoku+ Sudoku Style Math & Logic Puzzle Game by Tapps Tecnologia da Informacao Ltda.
Similar to Sudoku in that each number may only be used once per column and row, this app requires users to also apply basic math operations within consecutive boxes. This puzzle would help foster the Math Practices, especially focusing on making sense of a problem, attending to precision, and persevering. I like that the game requires students to focus on multiple operations at once and be willing to examine their mistakes and figure out how to fix them.
Upper Level Concepts: Math. by YourTeacher.com
This app allows students to identify a specific skill they need to work on. Then, they can watch example problems being completed, complete practice problems, quiz themselves, and even print out worksheets (with answer keys) and notes. I like this tool because it allows for individualized practice. I would like to use it as a tool for teaching students how to study. We could identify skills they need to work on, then have them explore the resources in class and then more at home.
Manipulative: Geoboard, by The Math Learning Center (created by Clarity Innovations)
This app is pretty straight forward - it is a virtual geoboard with different color rubberbands. I like this app because it can be used for any lesson that you could use a traditional geoboard with (exploring plane figures, area, perimeter, etc.), but without having to worry about rubber bands breaking or being shot across the room. I also think it allows for students to see the figures more clearly because they can choose to shade in the figures. The virtual geoboard is also more efficient to create and clear shapes, allowing more time for exploring.
I am a 6th and 7th grade math teacher in Ellicott City, Maryland. This is my fourth year teaching, and by the end of this school year, I will have earned my masters degree in Secondary Math. I earned my bachelors degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Special Education, from the University of Maryland in 2011.
Outside of being a teacher and student, I love being a wife, sister, daughter, and aunt. My husband and I have been together for almost ten years now, but we just got married this past summer. We enjoy spending time with our parents, my three brothers, my sister, his sister, our niece and nephews, and all of our siblings' significant others. We are enjoying this exciting stage of our life in which our extended family is growing through new marriages and babies.
Learning Task #1 (reviewed, download for comments)
Learning Task #2 - Web 2.0
"Web 2.0" is a term coined in the 1990's to differentiate between the new, more collaborative design of websites and web tools as opposed to the more static websites of the past. More traditional websites were designed for users to access information, but Web 2.0 tools and websites are designed to give users more control. Users of Web 2.0 tools can design, create, present, and/or explore information in an online community.
One example of a Web 2.0 tool is Today's Meet, which allows for discussion and collaboration amongst users. Check out my room on Today's Meet at https://todaysmeet.com/TZMeet.
Another Web 2.0 example tool is Kidblog. Check out my Kidblog at http://kidblog.org/MrsZobriskysClass.
Learning Task #3
My Biteslide Presentation: Order of Operations - Join my Biteslide class using the code: Tvfevk7c
My Prezi Presentation: Integer Computation Rules
Learning Task #4
Top 10 Virtual Manipulatives List:
10: Function Machine (6.EE.B)
This Function Machine from Math Playground allows students to select inputs, or choose to have the computer select inputs, and then provides the students with outputs. After two outputs are given, students are asked to write an equation to represent the function. This virtual manipulative could be used to practice identifying patterns and writing equations, but it does not really provide a visual for the students to illustrate how the function is being evaluated.
9: Decimal Sums on the Number Line (5.NBT.7)
Using the idea of a number line, this virtual manipulative walks students through using partial sums and differences to add and subtract decimal values.
8: Integer Operation Teacher Tool (7.NS.A.2)
Virtual counters are used to illustrate multiplication and division of integers. This virtual manipulative also helps reinforce for students the fact that in problems with multiple operations, division and multiplication should be done in order from left to right.
7: Base Ten Blocks (5.NBT)
This virtual manipulative provides several different activities centered around place value, allowing students to illustrate, compare, add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers. With each operation, the students are able to regroup the blocks as necessary.
6: Base Ten Blocks - Decimals (5.NBT.7)
Similar to the use of the whole number base ten block virtual manipulatives, students can add and subtract numbers with regrouping, but now with decimal values. I like that this virtual manipulative helps students adjust their thinking to utilize different-sized wholes based on the number of decimal place values they are using.
5: Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Regrouping (5.NF.1)
Students can enter mixed numbers less than or equal to 3 in order to create a subtraction problem. The virtual manipulative illustrates the problem and allows students to rename fractions with a common denominator and borrow from the whole number if necessary.
4: Thinking Blocks - Fractions (5.NF)
This set of virtual manipulatives is set up to allows for students to use fraction strips with labels to illustrate and solve word problems. As students master one skill with fractions, like finding a fraction of a number, they progress to more challenging skills, like fraction computation.
3: Thinking Blocks - Ratios (6.RP.A.3)
Students create tape diagrams with labels to solve ratio problems set in real-life contexts. Students are able to track their progress and move on to more complex problems.
2: Color Chips - Subtraction (7.NS.A.1c)
Students are asked to set up a subtraction problem by illustrating the minuend using chips. Then, they must add zero pairs so that they can take away the subtrahend. Students struggle with using actual chips to illustrate this process. Practicing with the guidance of the virtual manipulatives may make it easier.
Tied for 1: Model Algebra and Algebra Balance (7.EE.B)
Both of these virtual manipulatives use the visual of a balance to help students solve equations. The Model Algebra manipulative provides a better visual of what is happening at each stage, but the Alegra Balance allows for more complex equations and pairs each step with the calculations the students would do by hand on paper.
Learning Task #5
Parent Survey
Student Survey
Learning Task #6
My Text2MindMap:
Check out my Padlet discussion. Feel free to join in:
My Popplet Graphic Organizer
Learning Task #7
Using Videos to Launch Rich Tasks:
The 100 Meter Freestyle In this video, the visual of the pool is used to show how far behind past swimmers would be if they had raced against Nathan Adrian in the 2012 Olympics. I would have students use ratio tables, graphs, or proportions to confirm the distances given in the video. Then, they could apply their method to compare a few of the other swimmers to Adrian.
The 100 Meter Dash This video illustrates how sprinters' average speeds have increased over time. This video could be used to engage the students before asking them to find the rate at which sprinters' speeds are increasing. To do this, they could graph the data as was shown in the video, but draw a line of best fit. They could use this line to calculate the rate at which average speed is increasing amongst sprinters. Then, they could make predictions for how fast the race would be completed in future Olympics. It would also be interesting to have a conversation with the students about examining the rate of change over shorter time periods to see if there was greater increases aligning with events in history, such as changes in the diet or shoes of the runners and whether or not the students think humans will ever reach a maximum speed for the 100 meter dash.
The Long Jump This video could be used to launch a lesson on using scatterplots to examine a correlation between two variables. I would provide the students with data on some or all of the Olympians and their jumps, such as their age, height, weight, running speed, and wind velocity at the time of the jump. Then, the students could create scatterplots to examine the relationship of each variable to the distance of the winning jump's distance. Preferably, I would have this data set up in TInkerplots, or something similar, but the students could also create the scatterplots by hand or using a graphing calculator. The students could then determine which variable seems to have the strongest impact on the distance of the jump. To get the most investment from the students, I think I would pause the video about 1 minute 39 seconds into it. Then, I would have them make predictions about other factors that may impact a competitor's success in the event.
NY Times: The Soda Ban Explained This video illustrates how much soda is in various beverages. I think it would be a good way to engage students before having them compare the unit rates of sugar in different drinks, like soda, juice, coffee, etc. I would, however, have to consider if there were any kids in the class who may be particularly sensitive to the issues discussed in the video (increased obesity levels in the US inspiring the ban). If so, there are other images (and perhaps videos) out there that use sugar cubes to illustrate the amount of sugar in different beverages that may focus more on the positive health benefits versus our obesity issues.
ABC News: Math Genius Many of my students are fascinated by the idea of pi, often wondering how many digits of it I know, or one of their classmates knows. I think they would be amazed by the first 1 minute 20 seconds of this video, in which a young man recites more than the first 22,000 digits of pi. I could use this to launch a lesson into exploring the relationship between parts of a circle and discovering what pi really is.
Math Clips: When not knowing Math can cost you $15,000 This video clip of the show Who Wants to be a Millionaire poses the question: "Which of these square numbers is the sum of two other square numbers." I think it would be fun for the students to pause the video before the question is answered and have them explore it. We could then play the rest of the video to see who could have answered it correctly. Those who figure it out quickly could see if they could find any other square numbers that are also the sums of two squares.
Learnzillion Lessons
Add & Subtract Mixed Numbers in Real World Contexts This lesson is good, but I do not agree that it is aligned with 7.NS.A3, which should have more of a focus on positive and negative rational numbers and address the order of operations. This lesson would be a good review for my 7th graders on adding and subtracting mixed numbers.
Simplifying Expressions - Distributing a Negative I did not like this lesson. It shows common mistakes without really demonstrating to students why they are wrong and it asks students to memorize that all signs in an expression change when distributing a negative without addressing why.
Unit Rates on a Graph Okay video to assist with homework or provide a quick review.
Kahn Academy Lessons
Add & Subtract Negative Numbers: Word Problems The video provided with these practice problems does a pretty good job of explaining the concept and tying it to the standard algorithm. The problems are set in real life contexts and seem more meaningful than some other questions I have seen used before.
Order of Operations Here you can find multiple videos demonstrating how to apply the order of operations in various examples. Then, there are practice problems involving negative numbers, appropriate for 7th graders.
Learnzillion vs Kahn Academy
First, I must say the videos on both sites are extremely dry. I think they can helpful for home use, but generally, in the classroom, I would argue that students would be more engaged going through the same ideas and examples as a discussion with their teacher and peers.
Learnzillion does a good job of reviewing the basics before going into a new skill and addresses common mistakes. However, I feel that their explanations are lacking at the conceptual level. I also question the complexity of the skills and whether or not they are appropriately aligned with the Common Core Curriculum, at least for the 7th grade videos I spent time looking through.
Kahn Academy doesn't review as much, but students could also go back to prerequisite skills on the website by looking at earlier grades. Their videos do a better job of explaining concepts. I also like that the site includes practice problems and that the students can use the scratchpad to do calculations. The problems provided seem to be appropriately challenging. However, I wish the hints provided more guidance without just doing the work for the students. Overall, I much prefer Kahn Academy.
Learning Task #8
My Educreations Video: Long Division
My QuickTime Player Video: Algebra Balance Example
Learning Task #9
Rubistar Rubric:
Poll Everywhere: Evaluating an Algebraic Expression
Testmoz Quiz: Algebraic Epressions
Learning Task #10
Web Tool: Plickers
Mobile Apps:
Basic Fact Practice: Middle School Math 7th Grade by Monkey In The Middle Apps LLC
Middle School Math 7th Grade is an app that provides a set of quizzes and games focusing on some of the major fluency skills of 7th grade, beginning with absolute value and integer computation. Each skill set has a brief explanation of the concept and provides a link to a video giving more of an explanation. I like that the app provides basic practice in a fun way, while providing immediate feedback on progress. It would be a great tool for kids to practice with at home or as a warm-up or exit activity in seminar.
Number Sense Development: Mental Math Challenge Add and Subtract by Balabharathi.com LLC
This Mental Math Challenge app provides students with strategies for adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers, and then lets them practice using these strategies in leveled and timed quizzes. I like this app because it helps students getting a better sense of what is involved when adding or subtracting and allows them to become much more efficient and independent with these foundational skills. By giving students time to continue developing these skills, they are better able to focus on the more complex concepts that rely on them.
Math Puzzle: Mathdoku+ Sudoku Style Math & Logic Puzzle Game by Tapps Tecnologia da Informacao Ltda.
Similar to Sudoku in that each number may only be used once per column and row, this app requires users to also apply basic math operations within consecutive boxes. This puzzle would help foster the Math Practices, especially focusing on making sense of a problem, attending to precision, and persevering. I like that the game requires students to focus on multiple operations at once and be willing to examine their mistakes and figure out how to fix them.
Upper Level Concepts: Math. by YourTeacher.com
This app allows students to identify a specific skill they need to work on. Then, they can watch example problems being completed, complete practice problems, quiz themselves, and even print out worksheets (with answer keys) and notes. I like this tool because it allows for individualized practice. I would like to use it as a tool for teaching students how to study. We could identify skills they need to work on, then have them explore the resources in class and then more at home.
Manipulative: Geoboard, by The Math Learning Center (created by Clarity Innovations)
This app is pretty straight forward - it is a virtual geoboard with different color rubberbands. I like this app because it can be used for any lesson that you could use a traditional geoboard with (exploring plane figures, area, perimeter, etc.), but without having to worry about rubber bands breaking or being shot across the room. I also think it allows for students to see the figures more clearly because they can choose to shade in the figures. The virtual geoboard is also more efficient to create and clear shapes, allowing more time for exploring.